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1993-2014
Business
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Cover Story: Trillium: Bringing Employers and Employees Together for Thrity Years
Golf S af e ty Gr ee n Co n st ru c tio n H e a l t h C a r e Te c h n o l o g y
FORE!
By Jane Whittington
It was a brutal winter. Record breaking snow fall, record breaking low temperatures and lets not even talk about the potholes! But as surely as night follows day, spring and summer will again visit Michigan, and the long, cold winter will fade into memory. And what better way to enjoy what Michigan has to offer when the snow melts than to take to the golf course and pit your skills against that little white ball? Despite the fact that in Michigan, golf is seasonal, Golf Digest reports that Michigan is fourth in the country in the number of golf courses per capita, with only Hawaii, South Carolina and Nevada ahead of us. And Ask.com reports that Michigan has the third highest number of golf courses with 851 in total. In comparison, only Florida with 1,218 and California with 906 have more than Michigan. Golf Digest says, A somewhat overlooked region due to the lack of a consistent PGA Tour presence and a shortened golf season, Michigan actually lays claim to having more five-star golf courses than any other state: Arcadia Bluffs, Tullymore Golf Club and Timerberstone Golf Course. It also has far and away the most fourstate courses on the list. In late 2012, Forbes magazine writer Larry Olmstead said, Michigan has the most public courses in the entire U.S. and more than almost every other country. These include some of the most highly rated in the nation, most at very fair prices, making Michigan simply one of process. The eighth hole is located where a natural sand pit was used for the mining operation. And the water used to irrigate the course is pumped from the mines. Golf course manager Todd Loughin says, We are, of course, limited by the weather as to when we open for the season and when we close. The latest weve ever opened was March 31, and that was last year. We are generally open March to November. Fortunately, the ground here is sandy, so drainage is good, and we dont have to worry as much about mud as the snow melts or during heavy rains. He continues, After the mines closed, the land was vacant for about 20 years until it was purchased by Dan and Judy Schimmel, who are the owners.
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Weve been open about nine years. The Mines is a public course and is also available for golf outings and leagues. Our pro is Melanie Loughin, who is the golf coach at Davenport. We have a small pro shop and snack bar and about 60 carts for rent. In the summer, we hire a lot of seasonal help for maintenance, the shop, outside services and starters and rangers. Both the Loughins are PGA certified professionals. Besides adult instruction, The Mines also offers a junior program, a six-week introductory class for children up to the age of twelve. Children are allowed to play free with a paying adult. The Mines also serves as the home course for Covenant Christian and Union High School. Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer once said, What other people may find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive. So tee up, and let it fly!
the best U.S. golf destinations from spring through fall. Golf Magazines Top 100 You Can Play list of Americas best public courses includes Arcadia Bluffs (#30), Bay Harbor (#38), Forest Dunes (#45) and St. Ives/Tullymoore (#76). Considering that there are states without a single Top 100 course, having four and three in the Top 50 is pretty impressive. Thats more Top 50 courses than Florida, which has the most golf courses of any state. The Mines Golf Course in Grand Rapids is unique in that it was built 150 feet above gypsum mines that were used as early as the 1860s and still in use throughout the 1900s. In an effort to preserve the history, features of the mines were used in constructing the course. For instance, the pump house near the first tee was built with brick saved from the property, and the directional signs were made with wooden timbers from the mining
Jane Whittington is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Grand Rapids.
employers are looking for. While Trillium does not do job training, they do work with their potential employees on resume building and interviewing skills. Poch says, We have the same commitments to each of our potential employees as we do our clients. We have high expectations for those we place and our requirements are stringent. Once you become an employee, we will do everything in our power to help you succeed and meet your career goals. When our employees are successful, weve done our job. As part of their 30th anniversary celebration, Trillium is hosting a nationwide food drive at each of their 80 locations. Their team is gathering non-perishable food items to donate to local food banks. Whether someone is looking for a job or looking to fill a job, Trillium is ready to step up and make that process easy, satisfying and profitable. Its what they do best.
Business
update
ublication
Jane Whittington is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Grand Rapids.
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5 The Right Place Ensures Growth for Grand Rapids Smart Manufacturer
Grand Rapids Regional non-profit economic development organization The Right Place, Inc. along with the City of Grand Rapids and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announce the expansion of Grand Rapids-based manufacturer Proos. The approval of a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant is part of $715,000 incentive package that will enable Proos to invest $5.7 million in Grand Rapids and add 50 jobs to its existing 83-employee workforce. The investment will also allow the company to renovate its Oak Industrial Drive facility to accommodate the expansion. Its headquarters will remain at 1037 Michigan Street NE in Grand Rapids. This expansion will support the companys continued aggressive growth by scaling up production to meet current and future customer needs. The company intends to expand both its fabrication operation, Proos Fabrication, and its stamping operation, Proos Manufacturing. Proos is a rapidly expanding supply chain manufacturer with physical growth constraints and numerous options to grow elsewhere, stated Megan Sall, Business Development Manager, The Right Place, Inc. Working with our partners at the City of Grand Rapids and the MEDC, The Right Place was able to ensure that Proos has the resources they need to succeed here in West Michigan. The companys significant growth in recent years has garnered industry attention, as it was recently awarded the Automotive Supplier of the Year at the 2014 Michigan International Auto Show and named one of Michigans 50 Companies to Watch in 2012 by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Managing growth is just as challenging as managing decline. However, with the assistance of The Right Place, MEDC, and the City of Grand Rapids, Proos is now able to start another exciting chapter of our 94-year history, said Amy Proos, CEO, Proos. The Right Place and MMTC-West have been valuable business partners in our companys success. With their assistance, we continue to grow, create jobs, and invest in West Michigan. Established in 1919, and womanowned since 2004, Proos has become a leader in the metal stamping and metal forming industry. The company provides metal stampings for the automotive, industrial and office furniture industries, ranging from highly visible Class A products to structural components.
Finance/Insurance/Banking Briefs
Grandville Berends Hendricks Stuit Insurance Agency is celebrating their 75th Anniversary in business this year as one of the largest independent agencies in the region with services such as Employee Benefits, Commercial Insurance, Personal Insurance, Human Resources, Wellness, Risk Management, and Financial Planning. Grand Rapids Lake Michigan Credit Union announced expansion of five new retail branch locations in Holland, Norton Shores, Traverse City, Farmington Hills and Troy, plus a mortgage loan center in Livonia. Grand Rapids Community West Credit Union announced hiring a new Business Development Manager and Call Center/Dealer Direct Manager at their Kentwood Branch. Grand Rapids Lake Michigan Credit Union announced launch of its second $25,000 Home Makeover Giveaway and can be entered online at lmcu.org, or personally at any LMCU branch location. Entrants can also increase their odds when friends enter the giveaway through a FaceBook link. Grand Rapids Lake Michigan Credit Union announced hiring Mortgage Loan Originators: David Lukomski, metro Detroit; Jason Wozniak, Livonia; Christine Price, Traverse City; and Matt Adler, metro Detroit. East Lansing Consumers Mutual Insurance of Michigan, a memberowned health plan, announced 2014 Board of Director officers: Chairperson, Robin Reynolds; Vice Treasurer, Bruce Bragg; Vice Treasurer Bruce Miller; and Secretary, Jan Hudson. Lansing Berends Hendrick, Stuit Insurance Agency was recognized as being among the top 10% of all agents representing Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company. Kentwood Regal Financial Group, LLC, will be recognized by Michigan Business and Professional Association as one of West Michigans 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. Holland Macatawa Bank named Catherine Dugan as Private Banking Relationship Manager, and will be responsible for managing a portfolio of private banking clients. Birmingham/Farmington Charter One named both Kenneth J. Reiter as Senior Loan Officer, and Diya Fahs as Residential Loan Officer, for their Home Lending Solutions Midwest Division. Grand Rapids Lake Michigan Financial Group, a division of Lake Michigan Credit Union, announced hiring David Mills as Vice President of Credit Union Sales.
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Grand Rapids Lake Michigan Credit Union announced hiring Daniel Merz as Mortgage Loan Originator at their new Farmington Hills branch office.
Kentwood Regal Financial Group was recognized as 2014 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch by Michigan Celebrates Small Business.
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7 Introducing Abriiz
By Craig Clark If you were going to list the geographic areas where the nations top mobile health technology innovation is occurring in the United States, the very first place that might come to mind is San Francisco or Palo Alto, in the heart of Silicon Valley. The Route 128 Corridor outside of Boston might come next, followed by the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. But Grand Rapids-based Ideomed, Inc. is well on the way to helping make The Third Coast into a tech mecca in its own right. Ideomed, launched in 2010, is the developer of Abriiz (ah-breeze), a weband mobile-based solution for managing chronic illnesses. Abriiz uses a proprietary behavior-based approach for activating patients in their own health, blending research-backed elements of reminder-tracking, education, incentives, and more. The system is marketed to health care providers and insurers, who integrate it into existing patient care management programs, to help them target patients who have difficulty adhering to a treatment plan. Patients who use Abriiz feel empowered, and manage their conditions more effectively. Better adherence leads to improved health outcomes, and ultimately reduces costs throughout the continuum of care. Beyond Patient Engagement The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has introduced a transformation in the U.S. health care system, the likes of which has not been seen since Medicare was enacted in 1965. New technologies including Electronic Health Records (EHR), Big Data, and mobile health (mHealth) are sure to play a significant role in this transformation. This combination of new regulations and new technologies comes with added complexity, and an assortment of new terms meant to bring some order to the chaos. Unfortunately, some confusion is also inevitable. One popular term that has created some confusion is Patient Engagement, which is meant to describe a more intentional and meaningful relationship between a health system and its patients. The challenge for all involved is that no standard definition of Patient Engagement has achieved universal acceptance, and without that, it is meaningless. Ideomed sees engagement as the first of several steps in the process of building genuine and supportive relationships. The behavior science used in the design of Abriiz enhances communications between the patient and their connected care team. Over time Abriiz not only engages a patient, but supports active participation in their care, health improvement, and quality of life. Scaling the Proof Case Ideomed has conducted multiple trials with smalls groups of patients and varied chronic conditions. These initial tests showed significant promise in improving adherence and outcomes among program participants. Results have been well received by insurers and health systems, prompting the company to proceed with the next phase of development - growing the population served by Abriiz. To that end, Ideomed is now involved with health care entities across the nation, deploying Abriiz in a wide variety of initiatives. Ideomed CEO Keith Brophy remarked that Abriiz is making a difference in lives every day, even as we continue to refine and evolve the solution. Populations using Abriiz in conjunction with their care managers include patients managing Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Failure, Palliative Care, Obesity and others. Its About Quality of Life! The debate over the merits of the Affordable Care Act will continue to rage. But as of today it is the law of the land and insurers and healthcare providers must operate, and care for their patients according to that reality. To be successful, tech companies must recognize that health and healthcare are the most fundamentally human of issues. Technology is a means to the end of fostering an active and informed society of healthcare consumers, supported by an integrated healthcare system - with the shared goal of achieving the highest possible quality of life. Ideomed is united with health care providers and health insurers in their commitment to this goal. The Abriiz solution addresses one of population health management's most difficult to solve issues: moving the needle on behavior change in chronic condition management. These are transformational times in American healthcare, and Ideomed, right here in West Michigan, is an engine of that transformation. Craig Clark is the owner of Clark Communications, a Grand Rapids-based public relations firm that represents Ideomed.
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8 Construction Briefs
Lansing Clark Construction Company announced hiring Charles Wesley as Superintendent, and Dominic Adams and Joshua Short as Project Engineers. Kalamazoo Michigan Office Solutions, subsidiary of Xerox Co. and provider of technology solutions for business, became the newest corporate partner at Western Michigan University's Business Technology and Research Park. Wyoming The City of Wyoming expects to see demolition of Studio 28 begin. The site sits on 20 acres of prime commercial real estate on 28th Street SW, remains available for redevelopment. Studio 28 was built in 1965 by Jack Loeks, and made history as the first multi-screen theatre east of the Mississippi, and again in 1988 when its expansion to 20 screens made it the largest free-standing multi-plex in the world. Grand Rapids Rapid Fire Protection, Inc. announced promotion of employee Lee Jansma to General Manager. Bloomfield Hills Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. Vice President Roland N. Alix, P.E., was recognized by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson as one of the Countys Elite 40 Under 40 for 2014, and one of the areas best and brightest rising business and community leaders. Lansing Future Construction Leaders of Michigan program sponsored by Associated General Contractors of Michigan graduated five project engineers from Clark Construction and include: Jake Carney, Bill Cox, Nick Henne, Andrew Richter, and Terry Stewart. Bloomfield Hills Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc., announced addition of new team members: Project Engineer Jesse Morgan, P.E.; Graduate Engineer II Kristen (Roth) Paulson, P.E.; and Senior Project Manager Aaron Uranga, P.E. Grand Rapids - Signature Associates has negotiated: the sale of a 131.20 acre investment on Lake Michigan located at 631 Perryman Street, Saugatuck for the seller, Presbyterian Camps, Inc., and the buyer, Dune Ridge SA LP. the lease of 3,500 square feet of office space located at 950 W. Norton Avenue, Roosevelt Park for the landlord, Park Rowe Building, LLC, and the tenant, Corlnet, LLC. Kalamazoo CSM Group welcomed Project Managers Kyle Scott and Brian Beaver who will provide oversight during all phases of construction. Kalamazoo Corporation Hall, a 33,000 sq. ft. renovated building located in downtown Kalamazoo, was presented a national Eagle Award by Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC), after winning an Excellence Award for Green Construction by ABC West Michigan Chapter. Grand Rapids Shoreline Power Services added Andy Hawley to enable Shoreline to expand their services to now include camera systems, fiber optic installation, low voltage cabling, and card access systems. Lansing George Kandler, Director of ASTI Environmental's Property Services Group, was named one of four Vice Presidents of Michigan Housing Council's Board of Directors, and will serve as Vice President of Professional Services. Grand Rapids For the fourth consecutive year, Michigan Office Solutions was recognized as 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by Michigan Business and Professional Association. Grand Rapids Commercial real estate firm X Ventures announced Bill Bowling joined the company in a full time capacity, and offers clients consulting services specific to commercial real estate portfolio planning and management, as well as landlord and tenant consulting services. Brighton Environmental Professional David Amir joined ASTI Environmental's Site Redevelopment Services group with more than 18 years of industry experience with property transactions, hazardous materials inspections, pre-demolition surveys, preparation of abatement and demolition specifications, underground storage tank management, and landfill testing. Lansing C2AE announced addition of new staff members and appointments to state-wide professional organizations: Steven VandenBussche, AIA, LEED BD+C, Project Manager serving the needs of healthcare clients; Nancy Jaglowski, Electrical Designer for government and industrial team; Christopher Brandenburg, Human Resources Manager; Michael Seling, Civil Engineer; Kevin Feuka, PE, joined I-69 International Trade Corridor/Next Michigan Development Corporation Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Steering Committee as Representative for Shiawassee County; and Brett Dodge, PS, was appointed to Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors Legislative Committee Wyoming Granger Group announced it selected Lansing-based Granger Construction to serve as construction manager for its new 100-unit Metro Health Village Senior Living project adjacent to Wyomings Village Green. When completed, the $22.5 million Metro Health Village Senior Living will host 18 independent, 59 assisted care, and 23 memory care units offering a variety of distinct living environments including one/two bedroom and studio residences, a restaurant-style dining room, family and guest visiting areas and overnight accommodations, a hair salon/barber shop, movie theater, fitness center, library, computer lab, and extensive inside/outside activity areas. Lansing George Kandler, Director of ASTI Environmental's Property Services group, was named one of four Vice Presidents of Michigan Housing Council's Board of Directors, and will serve as Vice President of Professional Services. Kalamazoo Professional Service Industries, Inc., announced promotion of Francis Jim Mateer to Branch Manager, and will provide construction services and geotechnical engineering.
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10 Industrial Briefs
Grand Rapids A collaborative partnership created by The Right Place/MMTCWest Manufacturers Council, Kent Intermediate School District, and Michigan Works!, opened registration for all public schools in West Michigans 13-county region to join the 2014 Discover Manufacturing Today Video Challenge. Students will be represented by teams of no more than six and challenged to create a video at least 60 seconds, but no longer than 3 minutes, in length showcasing a partnered manufacturer in the area, and capture skills needed to be successful in a manufacturing career. Indianapolis The Ports of Indiana handled 8.3 million tons of cargo at its three ports in 2013 - an increase of 20% over the previous year, and the third highest total in the organization's 52-year history. Strong shipments of coal, steel and agricultural-related products helped drive significant increases in annual tonnage at all three of the state's ports. Kalamazoo Simply Eight, a company dedicated to simple foods, announced it received official Non-GMO Project Verification seal on one of its food products, Real Chocolate Chip Cookies, with additional products currently under review. Grand Rapids West Michigan inventors, Mike Suman and Lynn Smith, co-owners of AngleWorks, announced sale of their patented shelving system, iLean, to Sauder Woodworking Co. headquartered in Archbold, Ohio, leading producer of ready-to-assemble furniture and residential furniture manufacturer. Lowell Lowell Energy AD, LLC, began a new chapter in sustainability for the City of Lowell with a formal groundbreaking ceremony for its 25,000 sq. ft. anaerobic digester, waste-to-energy facility that will generate 800kW of renewable energy for Lowell Light and Power by using sand-separated cow manure and diverting thousands of tons of food waste including liquid waste from Litehouse Foods, Inc. Grand Rapids Blake W. Krueger, Chairman, CEO and President of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., will be honored with 2014 Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award. Allegan Perrigo, leading pharmaceutical supplier, announced Alex Mason was hired as Production Engineer for the Liquids Engineering team, and Christine Reilly was hired as Senior Securities and Exchange Commission Reporting Analyst for the Accounting/Finance team. Grand Rapids Fortune magazine recognized Steelcase, Inc., as one of its 2014 "World's Most Admired Companies" in the Home Equipment and Furnishings industry sector. Grand Rapids Steelcase, Inc., announced the company's renewable energy investment is equivalent to 100% of its global electricity consumption, making Steelcase the 15th largest 100% renewable energy purchaser of non-emitting sources like wind and hydroelectric energy in the U. S., according to U.S. EPA's Green Power Partnership. Mount Vernon, IN Valero Energy Corp., international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels and other petrochemical products, announced purchase of Aventine Renewable Energys 110-million gallon ethanol plant, through its subsidiary Valero Renewable Fuels Co., with initial plans to reopen the idled facility later this year. Charlotte Spartan Chassis, a division of Spartan Motors, Inc., celebrated the 25th anniversary of Spartan Chassis International Chapter of Family Motor Coach Association founded by Marsh Carson and Scott Brady. Holland LeanLogistics, a global solutions provider of transportation management system applications and supply chain services, announced they received Silver and Bronze Stevie Awards, and Joycelin Denstone, LeanLogistics Customer Support Manager, won a Silver Stevie Award as Contact Center Professional of the Year. Grand Rapids Nichols is pleased to bring Great Lakes Pack Expo & Challenge to the Delta Plex, May 21, 2014. Detroit U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, announced the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie opened, initiating the start of the 2014 Great Lakes shipping season. The locks closed Jan. 15 and underwent critical repairs and maintenance during the winter shutdown. The locks and Soo Locks crew will be available for service despite extremely heavy ice on the St. Marys River that delayed arrival of the first cargo vessel. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system that includes 94 harbors and the Great Lakes connecting channels that join lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie. Grand Rapids Praxis Packaging Solutions, a contract packaging company, hired Tom Franks as Director of Quality and Regulatory Affairs. Grand Rapids Custer Architectural Products Division announced addition of Jana Van Singel as Project Manager. Belding Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures, manufacturer of fiberglass enclosure products, announced appointment of William Dunn as National Sales Manager.
11 Safety First
By Jane Whittington Safety is everyones business. Its good for employees, employers and the bottom line. And to make sure its a priority, Agile Safety in Grand Rapids makes it their business to help others achieve the goal of a safe workplace. Agile Safety, a woman-owned business, was founded in 2003 by Elizabeth and Brandon Burnette and Chris Hammond. Currently, they have ten employees in their Bridge Street location and work with businesses, municipalities and organizations throughout Michigan and occasionally in other states and even into Canada. According to President Brandon Burnette, We help companies establish and maintain safe and healthy workplaces. That can be something as simple as filling an order for safety equipment for someone who knows exactly what they want. For the most part, however, our customers rely on us to visit and conduct safety analyses to determine where they might need some help. We then provide the equipment, either through sales or rentals, and service solutions that best suit the particular requirements of that customer. He continues, Our main focuses are fall prevention and gas detection. Agile Safety offers: Confined space entry equipment; Personal protective gear; Respiratory protection products; Industrial hygiene equipment; Gas detection devices, both portable and fixed; Fall protection equipment. Agile Safety maintains long-term relationships with customers who know they can rely on their experience and expertise to provide both the best advice and the best equipment for the unique needs of each customer. Because Agile Safety is up-todate on the latest products and services, they can consult with customers as new products hit the market or as the needs of customers change. Besides providing equipment, Agile Safety also conducts onthe-job training and after-purchase inspection and calibration services on the products they supply. Burnette says, Companies could just order equipment from catalogs, but by working with us, they are assured of the best possible equipment for their situation as well as training for and servicing of that equipment. Agile Safety also keeps itself conversant with federal, state and local regulations that mandate certain safety measures. Burnette says, We are able to keep our customers up to speed on what is happening in the area of regulations. Markets for Agile Safety include municipalities and the entities within like waste water treatment plants and departments of public works as well as private businesses and industries like chemical, construction and pharmaceutical. The marketplace is driven by governmental regulations, insurance companies and, as Burnette says, the moral imperative of employers to provide a safe workplace. He continues, We go beyond what is required in insuring that our customers maintain the safest workplace possible. Burnette says that Agile Safetys customers are uniformly satisfied with the products, expertise and level of service offered by the company. He goes on to say, Were essentially a mom-and-pop operation here, small enough to provide a high level of personal service but large enough to offer a variety of goods and services. Our company continues to grow; we weathered the recession well and kept growing even during the economic downturn. He continues, Safety is a priority for everyone; employees dont want to work where they might be unsafe, and employers know that safety is not only good for their employees but also for the continued success of their business. Everyone wins when safety first is all-important.
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12 Education Briefs
Kalamazoo Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business and School of Medicine designed a dual-degree program allowing medical students to complete both a medical degree and a master's in business administration with a concentration in healthcare in just five years of study. Kalamazoo Western Michigan University School of Medicine, a new private medical school, will be named in honor of Dr. Homer Stryker (Orthopedic Surgeon and medical device innovator who founded Stryker Corp.), and will be housed at W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus thanks to the generosity of donors Ronda E. Stryker (granddaughter of Homer Stryker), and her husband, William D. Johnston (a WMU trustee) who made an anonymous gift in excess of $100 million to the University three years ago to launch the medical school initiative. Lansing Veterans looking for careers in advanced manufacturing and technology are encouraged to apply to Michigan Advanced Technician Training program, a program specifically designed to provide skills-based education while having opportunity to work with companies in high-tech, in-demand fields. Muskegon Baker College was named in the top 25 Best for Vets: Business School - for their MBA and Doctorate of Business Administration programs offered by Baker College Center for Graduate Studies - by Military Times. Battle Creek Kellogg Community College sold $9.7 million worth of building and site bonds with the winning bid awarded to Oklahoma-based BOSC Inc., a brokerage with offices in Michigan, at a true interest cost of 2.039%. Lansing Daniel M. Houlf, Director of U.S. Tax Counsel Group at General Motors, and Cooley adjunct faculty member teaching Accounting for Lawyers - was chosen as 2013 recipient of Frederick J. Griffith III Adjunct Faculty Award at Cooley Law School. Grand Rapids Aquinas College President Dr. Juan Olivarez announced Dr. Gilda Gely is Aquinas next Executive Vice President and Provost, effective late May. Lansing Stephen J. Markman - Justice of Michigan Supreme Court and former U.S. Justice Department official - and James C. Morton - noted Canadian lawyer, bar leader and scholar - were elected to four-year terms on Board of Directors of Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees approved a mid-year budget for the 201314 fiscal year including approval of a $3 increase for in-district tuition, bringing the rate to $106 per credit hour, and increases for out-of-district, job training and construction trades, and preschool rates. Grand Rapids Calvin College is one of just 12 institutions nationwide to receive a 2014 Beckman Scholars Program, a $104,000 award funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation to fund in-depth research experiences for four students in biology, biochemistry or chemistry over the next three years. This is the second time Calvin College was awarded a Beckman Scholars Program.
Legal/Accounting/Consulting Briefs
Grand Rapids James R. Brown, member of law firm Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones, PLC, was selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as 2014 Leader in the Law. Grand Rapids John J. Bursch, Partner Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP, was recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of its 2014 Leaders in the Law. Grand Rapids Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP, elected three partners to serve three year terms on its Management Committee: Andrea J. Bernard; Homayune A. Ghaussi; and William R. Jansen. Grand Rapids Varnum Attorney Luis Avila was appointed to Michigan Board of Medicine, which oversees the practice of more than 36,000 licensed physicians and surgeons. Grand Rapids Law firm Plachta, Murphy & Associates, PC, announced new addition of Associate Attorney Jeffrey M. Black. Grand Rapids Michael C. Haines and William A. Horn, members of Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones PLC, were named CoChairs of Legal and Legislative Committee of Michigan Oil and Gas Association. Grand Rapids Varnum trial Attorney Ronald G. DeWaard was selected 2014 Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Grand Rapids Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP, welcomed new attorney Robert H. Silkensen who will concentrate his practice in international tax planning. Grand Rapids Gatan Gerville-Rache, partner with law firm Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, is co-editor of the new Michigan Appellate Handbook published by Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Grand Rapids Beene Garter LLP acquired Matt Rampe Consulting - an appraisal and business valuation company - expanding the firms Forensic, Valuation and Litigation Services Group. Muskegon Parmenter OToole announced addition of Attorney Brian R. Leibrandt who will concentrate his practice in commercial litigation, business, and real estate areas. Kalamazoo Danielle Mason Anderson, Principal at Miller Canfield, was elected Chair of Board of Directors of Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home Foundation.
General Business
Grand Rapids Wege Prize - a collaboration between Kendal College of Art and Design and The Wege Foundation - will welcome a panel of five diverse and respected leading practitioners and advocates of design thinking and sustainability to the UICA in Grand Rapids to critique West Michigan college students with their solutions to design a product, service, or business model that functions within, and help create a paradigm shift towards a circular economic model, and award $15,000 to the winning team, $10,000 to the second-place team, and $5000 to the team receiving the most public votes. Atlanta, GA Delta Air Lines Foundation donated $21,000 to support efforts of five nonprofit charitable organizations that provide assistance to young people throughout greater Grand Rapids area including Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital, and Junior Achievement of Michigan. Grand Rapids Mark Renzenbrink, owner of Tuttles Select Cigars and Tobaccos, announced he is hosting a Rockstars of Cigars series throughout 2014, where customers may sample premium, hand-rolled cigars and meet cigar manufacturer owners and senior executives throughout multiple event dates. Grand Rapids Dixie Anderson, Executive Director of World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, was reelected for a second three-year term as Vice Chair of the Board of World Affairs Council of America. Ada Arts and Carafes Studio will be opening in their new location at 6749 E. Fulton, where you can sip on wine, beer, or soda while painting. Arts and Carafes supplies paint, brushes, and canvas. New Buffalo Stray Dog Bar & Grill is back in business and better than ever after rebuilding from the 2012 fire, and utilizing SBA 504 loan program through Economic Development Foundation. Grand Rapids A Lol (Live Out Loud Everyday) brand boutique will open in the Gaslight Village area, 2213 Wealthy St., SE, early this spring. The womens active wear store will occupy space originally used by Smooch Beauty Boutique. Holland/Zeeland Two Men & A Truck was presented with West Coast Chambers IMPACT Award, recognizing its positive contribution to the community through for its monthly involvement in supplying transportation and distribution of pop cans to United Way community partner agencies. Norton Shores Gordmans, Inc., apparel and home dcor retailer, announced opening of its first store in Michigan at Lakeshore Marketplace Shopping Center, March 20, 2014. Grand Rapids In 1989, local entrepreneurs Greg and Tyson Keane, opened their first Chow Hound Pet Supplies store, and have steadily expanded their business to now include seven locations in Grand Rapids, Holland and Grand Haven. Muskegon For the second consecutive year, Justin Raha, Instructor at Baker College of Muskegons Culinary Institute, was named 2014 Pastry Chef of the Year in Great Lakes Regional Masterpiece Chocolate-Pastry Competition. Muskegon CityHub Cyclery, caters to beginning bikers and serious cyclists, will celebrate their grand opening March 20, 2014, at the historic 585 W. Clay Ave. building, former M.F. Carlsons Food Market, and will carry top named brands previously unavailable in West Michigan. Houghton SmartStart, MTEC SmartZones entrepreneurial coaching program, received Keweenaw Spark Plug award for Growth presented by Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce and Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance. Grand Rapids For the second consecutive year, signs and graphics provider FASTSIGNS of Grand Rapids received the CEO Circle Award, which is given to the 25 centers in the U.S. and Canada with the highest sales volume from the previous year.
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Grand Rapids Catholic Charities West Michigan welcomed Pam Spaeth as its new Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Outreach, where she will be responsible for planning and implementing the agencys fund development, marketing, and community outreach programs. Grand Rapids YMCA Camp ManitouLin will offer free overnight camp to children ages 8 to 15 of wounded, disabled, or fallen military service members, thanks to a recent partnership with Camp Corral. Lansing According to the latest Michigan Retail Index - a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago - sales and short-term forecasts for Michigan retail businesses improved during February, but still have a lot of frozen ground to make up after the extreme winter. Lansing Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency announced marine veteran Lindell Holm was appointed to oversee Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, a fund which awards emergency grants to Michigan combat veterans. Battle Creek Site Selection magazine, a magazine focused on corporate real estate strategy and economic development, announced winners of 2013 Governors Cup, and Battle Creek tied for sixth nationally for metro populations less than 200,000 - the second consecutive year Battle Creek ranked in the top 10 nationally.
Legal/Accounting
Detroit Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn, LLP announced its partner J. Michael Huget was named IP Litigator of the Year for Michigan by Managing Intellectual Property magazine. Detroit Law firm Miller Canfield announced the following were elected Principals of the firm: Chicago office Jeffrey M. Drake, Robert C. Levels, and Blake E. Schulman; Detroit office Kimberly Berger, and Marc N. Swanson; Grand Rapids office - Joseph M. Infante, and Steven F. Stapleton; Kalamazoo office - Leigh M. Schultz; and Troy office - Eric C. Bartley.
Provided by www.getabstract.com David Shambaughs marvelous exploration an Economist best book of 2013 sets the context for Chinas foreign and domestic policies and provides the
Communication & IT
Communications & IT
Detroit Technology consulting firm C/D/H relocated their Southeast Michigan offices to downtown, Detroits Tech Hub Network, and closer to about 40% of the firms Southeast Michigan client base. Grand Rapids Specialty Field Production purchased a building on Butterworth Ave., SW, for film editing and production. Allendale BizStream, a web and software development company, is celebrating their newly purchased, renovated and furnished space, and have nearly doubled their staff. Grand Rapids Corporate Technologies LLC was recognized on Nine Lives Medias seventh-annual MSPmentor 501 Global Edition, a list identifying the worlds top 501 managed service providers, and was named to CRNs Managed Service Provider 500 list as one of the MSP Elite 150. Grand Rapids Geek Group announced they received a donation of over $200,000 in 3D design software from Autodesk, Inc., world leader in 3D software for entertainment, natural resources, manufacturing, engineering, Grandville IT solutions provider Trivalent Group announced it was recognized as one of the top 100 Managed Service Providers in the world for the fourth consecutive year by MSPmentor. Grand Rapids Service Express, Inc.hired Josh Maczinski and Jordan Peterson, Sales Development Representatives. construction, and civil infrastructure. Muskegon NeXt I.T. was recognized as 2014 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch, an awards program presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business.
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Grand Rapids Maximize Technologies and eGear USA formed a joint company, Vector Tech Group, a collection of companies with a focus on delivering technology solutions in a timely and budgetminded way. Lansing Center for Business Innovation, a managed technology service provider, announced their new partnership to offer Microsoft Office 365 services to organizations.